What should I expect ?

[legendprice]

GS 650E (82) Ok I have noticed an oil leak comming fro the lower head cyclinder 1 area. I suspect it is the head gasket (lower) gasket. I am considering doing the gasket change myself is this a major undertaking? Or is it a fairly easy change over? I have never attempted a repair of this magnitude and am debating whether or not to just take it to the shop at $85.00 per hr. Any Ideas and or suggestions. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated !!!

Thanks Dave (pic attatched)

[hampshirehog]

It's a straightforward job if you take your time and read the manual. If it's your first time on something like this just make sure that you check everything very carefully eg cam timing before bolting things back together firm.

The guys on here will be only to willing to help - either in person if you've got someone local or via the GSR. Post the questions and they'll be answered!

[Nessism]

Yes, it's a major undertaking, but as h-hog says you can do it as long as you are willing to take your time and and check everything as you go.

Get a camera, a photobucket account, and post lots of photos here, particularly if you have questions. Don't be afraid, just work smart.

[Steve]

If you take it to a shop, it will be about $150 or so for a gasket kit (their charge) and maybe 6 hours of billable labor. That puts it right about $650.

If you do it, figure about $100 for a gasket kit and whatever your time is worth to you. Add a few bucks if you need to buy a torque wrench.

Plus, if you do it, you will have the luxury of doing all the other stuff that should be done with that gasket kit, like changing the valve seals.
The shop might not do that if you only ask them to change the head gasket.

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